A moment of profound joy and honour for the Province as Rev. Fr. Hubert Uttam Molsom SDB, a missionary from the Province to Southern Africa, received the Missionary Cross from the hands of the Rector Major, Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard SDB, during the solemn Holy Mass held at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Valdocco, Turin, on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
The Eucharistic celebration at 5:00 p.m., commemorated the First Salesian Missionary Expedition to Patagonia, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Salesian Congregation’s missionary journey. During this occasion, Salesians of the 156th Missionary Expedition and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) of the 148th Missionary Expedition were each presented with the Missionary Crucifix by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and the Mother General of the FMA, Mother Chiara Cazzuola.
The event was a vibrant expression of the Salesian missionary spirit that began 150 years ago when St. John Bosco sent forth the first missionaries to Patagonia in 1875. It served as both a remembrance and a renewal of the congregation’s missionary zeal to bring the Gospel and the spirit of Don Bosco to new frontiers across the world.
Adding to the solemnity of the event, all Provincial Delegates for Mission Animation (PDMAs) from different parts of the world gathered in Valdocco to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian Missionary Expedition. Fr Amit Chama Lakra SDB represented the Province. Their presence highlighted the universality and missionary dynamism of the Salesian family that continues to flourish in every continent.
Fr. Hubert Uttam Molsom’s reception of the Missionary Cross stands as a moment of great pride for the Province. It symbolizes his readiness to carry forward Don Bosco’s missionary dream with courage, faith, and love for the young—especially the poorest and most abandoned.
The Salesian family rejoices and prays for Fr. Hubert as he embarks on this new chapter of his missionary journey, continuing the legacy of Don Bosco with the same passion and dedication that has inspired generations for a century and a half.
